On September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, awareness of the importance of recognizing and dealing with signs of psychological distress is highlighted. And in the school environment, where children and adolescents spend most of their time, combating bullying and strengthening an emotional support network are fundamental to this prevention.
The relationship between bullying and suicide is close. Students who suffer aggression (physical, emotional or virtual) can develop feelings of despair, anxiety and depression, factors which, in extreme cases, lead to suicidal thoughts. It is therefore essential that the school community is prepared to deal with these signs in a preventive manner.
Ana Claudia Ferreira Júlio, a specialist in Educational Law and Management at Barcellos Tucunduva Advogados (BTLAW), highlights seven fundamental practices that can be implemented in schools to help prevent bullying among students:
School policy: from a legal point of view, it is essential that the educational institution adopts rules, procedures and penalties for cases of bullying, with no exceptions. This should be included in documents such as the Service Contract, School Rules, Student Handbook and other institutional materials. They should all follow the same line, providing for situations, action plans and consequences that can, in the most extreme cases, culminate in the dismissal of the bullying student. Or even the Public Prosecutor's Office, since the school is dealing with minors who may commit criminal acts.
Training teachers to recognize warning signs: changes in behavior, isolation, worsening academic performance. These are some of the warning signs to look out for. Training teachers to identify these signs is an important preventative step. After all, teachers are the educational institution's most direct contact with the student.
Creating a multidisciplinary team: it's not just about a teacher, a principal or a few parents. The fight against bullying requires a multidisciplinary team with teachers, a pedagogical coordinator, parents, staff and, ideally, a psychology professional. The creation of this team encourages a constant cooperative and collective attitude between the school, parents/guardians, teachers and other staff.
Communication with parents or guardians: if any signs of bullying are identified, communication with parents and guardians must always be clear, without using linguistic subterfuges or relativizations. It is crucial that this practice is carried out formally, with instruments that allow parents and guardians to certify that they are aware of the alert. Initially, it is worth inviting them to take part in a preliminary meeting to present the scenario and pass on the guidelines prepared by the school team. Then, monitor each case closely. After all, at the same time as informing parents/guardians about what is happening on its premises, the school is also attesting to its full awareness.
Develop awareness programs: awareness campaigns on mental health, suicide and bullying should be a regular feature of the school calendar. Through lectures, discussions and debates, students can understand the seriousness of the problem and learn to seek help when necessary.
Procedures in cases of bullying: all disciplinary measures applied by educational institutions, at any level, must be structured to ensure that the offender has an adversarial hearing and a full defense. They must also be clearly publicized, so that no one can claim ignorance. Penalties applied in the school environment can be reversed in court. But this usually only happens when the rules have not been systematized and publicized in advance. Or because publicized procedures were not followed to the letter by the institution itself.
Fostering a peer support network: encouraging mutual support among students can also be an effective strategy. Support groups or activities that reinforce the importance of friendship and solidarity are important for creating an environment in which students feel connected. Phone numbers for support services such as the Center for Valuing Life (CVV) and emergency hotlines can be easily visualized so that students, teachers and family members can seek help whenever necessary.
It's important to remember that anyone reading this text may also be going through this. Therefore, if you have suicidal thoughts or feel alone to the point of considering taking your own life, seek specialized help such as the Centro de Valorização à Vida(www.cvv.org.br) or by calling 188 or Caps (Psychosocial Care Centers) in your city.
Source: ABC DO ABC
